C&C, "The Letters"

   Hmm...the beginnings of a powerful story are here. 

   As Ranma and the others got closer, it became apparent that Ukyou
was in bad shape. Her skin was unhealthily pale. Her large brown eyes
had sunk into her head. Her hair, normally shiny and full of bounce,
hung limply from her head like old ramen noodles. She was thin,
almost gaunt. Akane swore, from the way her skin was pulled over her
face, that she could make out Ukyou's skull underneath.

   Ergh. Nice imagery. Made me wince a bit, especially considering the 
victim.

   "Yes, I'm not going to fool myself into thinking that this is
something I'm going to get over. I'm going to die and I wanted to get
everything squared away with each of you before I go."

   While some might think this to be an odd thing for Ukyo to say, I 
think it fits. Stuff like this is not fun, kids. Trust me. And illnesses 
like this often affect our emotions, judgement, etc. A _normal_ Ukyo 
would keep fighting, and not give up. But after 3 days of the above, 
Ukyo's mental functions, even personality, are sufficiently altered to 
make despair not only possible, but likely and reasonable.
   Besides, it provides great drama and gloom.

(cut to a scene of Giles, Seamus, and Mahon crying their eyes out.)

   Um...sorry. They've had a few too many.
   Great stuff. I can't wait to see the second half.

(Mike whips out a deerstalker cap, pipe, and magnifying glass)

   Besides....I SUSPECT FOUL PLAY!!!!!!

(gasp from the crying Institut Rats "No!" "Ya can't mean it!" "Fowl? Hens?")

   Yes! My guess is that Ukyo has been poisoned! Probably by someone 
wanting to get a fiancee out of the way.

(The Rats scoff, and go back to drinking)

Well...maybe it is a stretch. 

   Hurry up, Erin, and kick out the second half. Me day'll be all the 
brighter for it. :-)

-Mike of No Particular Title or Handle

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